Today marked my last day at Siemens.. Though relieved, I know that a part of me will always be there... It's never about solely earning money, but from my little 5-month experience, I would safely say that 70% of work is based on our relationship with our colleagues.. And we are the ones who decide how well we want to be treated by them. It's all down to the basic principle of sowing and reaping yet again..

Being in the HR department, I had the opportunity to see the company as a whole; From the lowest graded worker right up to the head.. And since it is a German company, we do have a few cute German interns. =) My dept treated me to a farewell lunch at sakae ytd too!! It came as a surprise la.. (Thank God I went to work.. Lol)

Some rules that I have for myself...
1) no FLIRTING. (Others can flirt with you, it's called being 'friendly'.. But as a newbie, YOU DON'T cos it will only reflect badly on you)
2) no COMPLAINING. (Whatever toot your superior wants you to do, DO IT. You are paid to help, don't shortchange them.)
3) Put aside all personal affairs once you step into the office.
4) Be extremely polite to the auntie who clears your bin...
5) They can tease you all they want, but not vice versa. (Teasing an older person make you look rude *Sigh*)
6) Suppress your rebellion when being falsely accused (They are ALWAYS right...... Let them win...)
7) Smile at everyone whom you have eye contact with.

These 7 rules will make people love you. HAHA..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AH, I can finally breathe now...
My schedule for the past weeks was madness. Sometimes it seemed like everyday was a manic monday.. On top of my 5-day work, 4 of my weeknights are occupied - 2 nights for cello and 2 for tuition.. It must have been supernatural strength.. But I guess it was also the joy in the things that I am doing that kept me going.. Exhausted, but satisfied.

Anyway, orchestra prac on wed was greeeeatt.. We combined with the choir finally!!!!!!!!!! They sounded real majestic but I guess that wasn't the full strength yet? Meaning on the actual performing day, they will blow us off our feet (Literally? Lol...) But orchestra's attendance was so so poor.. I was quite surprised, I think that was the lowest ever.. It turned out I was the only cellist that fateful day.. But I enjoyed it greatly nevertheless! =) *Anticipating the next prac!*

I tried Jean Yip for my hair just now.. It cost a bomb but yet not up to my expectation.. Sigh.. (The hairstylist was cute though... But what's the point..?!) No one cut my hair better than Ann Lin from Le Salon.. She's the best ever.. *Promote promote..*
One tip: Tell the hairstylist that you are a STUDENT. Most of the time you get good discounts of up to $20 off. And please look convincing as well.. Hahaha... This is impt as they don't ususally check your pass.. ;)

*You have a purpose in wherever God landed you in..*

I woke up feeling so refreshed this morning! I even ran to the station to meet my choir friend (cos I was late lol..) And I bumped into some friends in the train! =) So I thot it was a great start to the day ahead..

Until.... During choir soundcheck....
Choir IC: Who didn't go for wednesday's prac? Raise your hands..
Me: *raised hand*
'someone' in front: *turned back and in a harsh tone* Then you are NOT supposed to sing. Don't you know that blablabla.. Who's your helper?
Me: *said the name* -_-
that 'someone': oh haha.. Then i have nothing to say...
Me: *rolled eyes discretely*

PLEASE... GIVE ME A BREAK... That was so unnecessary! Like I don't need her to tell me whether or not I was allowed to sing..?! *need more patience..* It's real distasteful to go up to someone and 'enthusiastically' utter something ridiculous...

Like another incident..
A guy came up to me and Schu and asked if we were siblings.. and then he went on to ask if we were attached.. I almost couldn't believe anyone would ask me such things especially since we hadn't spoken before.. If it was a pickup line.. It was a horrible one.. A simple 'Hi' would have me smiled and said hallo.. And you could have guessed, Schu entertained him while I was stunned and dumbfounded..

And today while having dinner with my father, a dim sum auntie approached us pushing her dim sum cart..
*In Mandarin*
Auntie to Father: Is she your FRIEND?
Father: No she's my daughter.
Auntie: Wah.. kids her age don't go out with parents anymore.. They'd rather go out with friends.. You must be proud of her.. My 2 sons are both married and went away..
Father: *smiled*
Me: *engrossed in my meepok*
Auntie: She is pretty.. Next time can marry a rich man and 'kiao ka' (= rot away, in my interpretation) already.. Blablabla.. *And she drifted away*

Me and my dad stared at each other and continued eating... But I thought to myself "Am I that superficial..." Oops. HAHA..

Btw, talking about meepok.. lol.. Some places that I recommend are
1. Newton XO meepok (I ate it 4 times the 4 times I went there.. Boring right? LOl..)
2. Bedok Interchange meepok (at the back isle nearer to the dessert store i think.. Once the hawker was having a lousy mood and he cooked half-heartedly but still tasted great)
3. East Coast Park meepok (A little too much vinegar but nicely done.. and his interpretation of 'a little chilli' means 'a lot' for us.. So.. LOL..)

1 place on my blacklist..
Raffles City meepok!!!!!! Goodness.. When I saw how the meepok was cooked for the customer in front of me, I was horrified. (Ok a little dramatic..) So much so that I requested if I could dismiss my order... *never before in my entire life* But the auntie rejected my rejection.. *lol* Then ok lor.. hahaha..

Just some insights to the daily happenings..

WANTED: A miracle...


She was swimming against the current and suddenly a big wave swept her away.
And now she is running on solid rock...

In this world you will have tribulations
But be of good cheer
For I have overcome the world

Yesss.. Orch. prac was great fun!! We finally played 'Messiah' and will be combining with the choir next week.. How interesting! hehehe.. Cello's part is real fun to play and I love how it sounds.. Haha.. (I know the cellos are kinda overwhelmed by the louder instru. but if you strain your ears hard enough.. You will fall in love with the sound.. It sounds like a shy girl.. Soothing and gentle... Though not as 'glam' as the violins)

I'm rather frustrated inside... Cos I wanna take up piano again.... It's been in me for so long.. Argh..... I feel like something's kicking inside of me, waiting to birth forth.. You know that feeling? And I feel a strong need to do something about it now.. Yup stay tuned! =P Don't say I'm fickle-minded and too ambitious.. I'm just doing what I love.. And today I found out that 1 of the cellists has a Grade 8 in piano and the other is taking Dip. in piano.. So inspiring!

Argh.. I can't wait...

You know when I say something like that.. I will do it the next moment LOL.. HAHA.. Like how some people were shocked when I suddenly bought a cello the other time.. LOL... Not being impulsive but it's what I wanted to do eons ago.. It's just inside of me..

*heart is literally beating fast now at the thought of all the goodies coming up!*

I simply can't ignore it!!!

Sigh.. But music is my wallet's all-time enemy.. *Sings* All for love's sake became poor.. LOL~~
Kidding. =)

God: I am your Provider.
God: You can do all things.
Me: With the little I have in my hands, I give to You.. For You are the One who does wonders...
Not me..

*Shall I begin? =) *

Hey guys, are u sick of my blog song? =)

Had cello lesson today.. I showed my teacher the score for "Pomp and Circumstance" and he said it's an advanced-level piece.. Ok I felt better... He said it's not my standard yet and I should work on my basics first.. Cos bad habits are hard to break in future. So true.. Maybe I shouldn't be too hard on myself.. Sigh..

The problem with me is that I always think "If others can do it, why can't I?" But I realised.. Though I can also but others have already conquered their levels 2, 3, 4, 5........ So If I'm at level 1, I should just give my best in level 1 first before moving on.. =) *revelation!*

Jeff is truly my da ge!!! One and only... When it's time to be harsh on me, hmm let's just say.. He will grab the opportunity.. by this I know that our relationship is that secure.. I will never forget once he scolded me so badly that I broke down in front of his family... But we later shook hands and made up.. Case closed. =)

I don't exactly like people to sugar-coat their words.. just say what you really mean. Then I will know that you are comfortable enough to let me see your inner world.. Of cos we may not be in coherent agreement but I always love a friendly debate which leave me thinking "oh ya ah.. Why didn't I think of that.."

Anyway back to Jeff.. Had a conv with him in msn..

aileen: Sighhhhh Jeff.... I feel that.. *censored*
Jeff: nonsense la
Jeff: course not
Jeff: thats a lie, from the devil
Jeff: learn to counter it by discipling your mind
Jeff: 2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Jeff: sound mind are also translated as "disciplined mind"
Jeff: means u tell your brain what to think
Jeff: every negative thought u have, quote a scripture and says excatly the opposite
Jeff: on a daily basis
Jeff: it helps to think that u can do ALL things, ALL things
Jeff: that means, if Jesus' hands can break bread and feel 5000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish, then we CAN too
Jeff: same Holy Spirit
Jeff: nothing's changed
Aileen: ='(

Sometimes we just need some raw talking to get it in our head.. I love raw talks. Hard pushes.. People to show me how to do things.. not TELL me what to do...

*A hard fall creates a higher bounce.*

Sigh..
Had orchestra prac today.. and it was Terrible. Terror. Tear.
We played "Pomp and Circumstance" and I let Edward Elgar down miserably.........
Sigh..
Felt so helpless as I could only stare at the score struggling to find the right note...
Then thoughts came arrowing at me that I am not good in anything.......
God says that I can do all things through Him.. Certainly He thinks higher of me than I am of myself.....


I called my cello teacher immediately after prac.. And bugged him for lesson.. Only to realize, when I reached home, that it is his birthday today! Haha.. Oops. The problem with cellists is that.. So few people play cello!!! That the pathetic few die die have to be zai.. Moreover we are supposed to be the ones who set the tempo for the rest..


But Eric was really encouraging... He came up to me after prac..
Him: You look quite sad... It's like that one la..
Aww.. Just one simple sentence and I felt a big part of my burden was lifted..


Sigh.. I have just less than 2 months before our next performance.. God, I need a miracle! I need more than just the anointing... I need.. I need... A tuner first. =(

Look at the rosin! It looks so edible.. lol..

Bought it recently after my previous one got lost.. At home.. Sigh so unnecessary~

Haven't been exercising since my knee injury.. Feeling so unhealthy now.. Can't stand not being able to run about.. And not to mention my fair skin.. Which is a result of not being under the sun for ages.... Due to my work... Feel so deprived of sun and fun.. Ah...

Ok enough of self-pity. LOL..

Come July I'll have the entire month freeeeeeee... Finally.... So please ask me along if you are gg to the beach or sth ok.. LOL.. But no shopping.. I feel it's a waste of time and money.. (Wah so practical hor.. lol..)

*I haven't missed school yet. =)*

Today was such a great Sunday! I sat beside mengching during service and she's such an awesome person to be with.. Meeting her for dinner tmr! We simply love to hug each other.. LOL.. I love hugsss~~

Prayer meeting was awesome too!! I love prayer meetings! Time seemed to pass by so quickly today.. And I remember clearly, during worship when we sang "We don't deserve of You what we ask.." Tears trickled down spontaneously as I recalled the very first time I stepped into City Harvest and how far God has brought me since then.. This is altogether an awesome journey. A one-way journey on a narrow path..

Anyway, after pm I was kinda like a lost sheep.. My hp was flat and my cg was dispersed.. So I walked ard trying to find the tithe machine. And I met bird!!!!!! I was so happy to see her! (and vice versa =P) We had a looong lunch together and it was great talking to her.. but we almost didn't need to talk at all cos we were always completing each other's sentences HAHA... It's really amazing how we know each other spirit to spirit.. I love Bird! =)

And and! I smsed Jeff at 2am earlier on and asked if he wanted a pianist for his wedding.. Lol.. Random thoughts always come to my mind at odd time.. And! yay! He may want me to do a special performance! If it really come to past... AHhhhhhh!!!! It will be a major breakthrough for me... Keeping my fingers crossed..

Nice friends make my day!

A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17

EMERGING

My cg =)

cai!! I still think our friendship was divinely planned. =)
She thinks I'm disgustingly white LOL!!! GOod sia... Shoved away my white hand LOL..

aww.. lol.. Aileen Bernice Caijun
Friends forever! (So cliche, but I don't care lol..)

My father! Tall dark and handsome LOL... haha he attended Emerge also ok!!! LOL..

JinLian my beloved ex-cgl. We had such a hilarious time watching manhunt n beauty pageant.. LOL~ To our left, we saw an old couple sleeping peacefully and oblivious to what was happening hahah so cute.. And then to our right... Better not say lol..

Shall end abruptly..

-_-zZ

The cellists!

Saturday was my first time performing in a philharmonic orchestra and it felt great! Although I was nervous to tears in the 'tunnel' before gg on stage.. but it was all over in a blink of an eye the moment we went up. I'm still very much an amatuer cellist and is very honoured to be able to be part of the orchestra! So so much more to learn from the 3 others.. They were great company too! =)

Frankly speaking, I was kinda pleasantly taken aback (not 'smittened' cos according to Bird that was too heavy a word LOl..) when I saw those guys all decked out in suits n bow ties.. I was like "Wow. " LOL.. Somehow I feel that musicians (I mean the rest.. haha) have this quiet appeal that can only be noticed after some time... Just.. Really attractive in a way I can't express.. But then again maybe i'm biased la. Haha..

ermm.. Anyway, that aside..

I love what Pst Kong said... "our talents must be marinated with the anointing of God."

Wow.

I may not have many talents... may not be the best ard... But with what little God has put in my hands, I wanna give it back to Him the best that I can..

remember it's 99% perspiration..

I've already sieved out my dreams.. and left with 2 which I feel strongly about.. those 2 are what I really wanted since young..

I like what zeng ming mentioned in msn.. It comes to a time when we can't waste time 'trying' things out.. that should already be done in our teenage years when we tried to excel in sports music studies all at once.. I am glad I was madly garang then.. Now that I'm 20, it's time to spend my time wisely in areas I want to zoom into. I think it's a good thing he pointed that out to me! It was quite a revelation... =)

It's hard to find a non-fussy guy...
Someone who takes whatever come his way..
See an obstacle and overcome it...
And not whine. so much.

-_- zZ